Black Bean Tostadas Recipe

Introduction

Black Bean Tostadas are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Crispy tostadas topped with a smoky, seasoned black bean mixture and melted cheese create a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Add fresh avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp. kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 8 tostadas
• 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese
• Thinly sliced avocados, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange a rack in the center. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the black beans, salt, chili powder, black pepper, and cumin. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, smash most of the beans while leaving some whole, adding a little water if needed to reach a smoother consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary.
2. Step 2: Arrange the tostadas on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded pepper Jack cheese evenly over each tostada.
3. Step 3: Bake the tostadas in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the tostadas from the oven and top each with the warm black bean mixture. Add slices of avocado and drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté some diced onions and garlic before adding the beans to the saucepan.
• Swap pepper Jack cheese for a milder Monterey Jack or crumbled queso fresco for a different taste.
• Add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice on top to brighten the flavors.
• Use homemade tostadas or baked tortilla chips as a crunchy alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover black bean mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tostadas separate to maintain their crispiness. Reheat the bean mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling fresh tostadas. Avoid reheating assembled tostadas to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, but dried beans require soaking and longer cooking times. After preparing them, follow the recipe starting with warming and seasoning the beans in the saucepan.

What can I use if I don’t have tostadas?

You can substitute tostadas with crispy corn tortilla chips or lightly baked tortillas until crisp. Just be sure they hold up well under the toppings.

Black Bean Tostadas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 757 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Black Bean Tostadas featuring a flavorful seasoned black bean mixture, melted pepper jack cheese, and fresh avocado slices, perfect for a quick Mexican-inspired meal or snack.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tostadas 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Black Bean Mixture

• 2 (15-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Other Ingredients

• 8 tostadas
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• Thinly sliced avocados, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bean Mixture: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rinsed and drained black beans, kosher salt, chili powder, freshly ground black pepper, and ground cumin. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until the beans are warmed through, approximately 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to smash most of the beans, leaving some whole for texture. Add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick to reach a smoother consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt as necessary.
2. Prepare the Tostadas: While the beans are heating, arrange the tostadas evenly on a large baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese over each tostada.
3. Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tostadas for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
4. Assemble and Serve: Remove the tostadas from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned black bean mixture onto each cheesy tostada. Top with thin slices of fresh avocado and drizzle with your favorite hot sauce to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a smoother bean mixture, add a small amount of water or bean liquid while mashing.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a hint of spice, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar.
• Adjust the level of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
• To keep tostadas crispier, add the bean mixture right before serving.
• Can be made vegetarian and gluten-free as is, but always check tostada package ingredients if store-bought.

Keywords: black bean tostadas, Mexican recipe, vegetarian tostadas, easy Mexican dinner, quick bean tostadas, pepper jack cheese tostadas, avocado toppings